Herbs mixed with animal by-products and natural plant oils are some of the earliest forms of medicine used to treat infections, sores, rashes, blisters, and other skin and open sore conditions. In prehistoric time our early ancestors used roots and herbal leaves to make poultices and ointments to heal a wound. Todays over-the-counter salves and ointments are derivatives of ancient natural remedies.
Ointments and salves contain oil or fat, but no water. Unlike creams, they do not absorb into the skin but form a separate layer over it. Salves are used where the skin is soft and bruised and needs extract protection, such as a rash. Salves were once made from animal fat but now are made from petroleum jelly or paraffin wax. Petroleum jelly is not the best conduit for the medicinal herb, so naturalists prefer to use bees wax or natural oils such as jojoba or olive oil.
There are many salves we can make using a specific herb for a specific condition. Lets say we want to use a salve for eczema and other allergic skin conditions. A good herb to use would be chamomile because chamomile is a soothing herb used to treat skin irritations.
The Anglo-Saxons looked upon chamomile as one of the nine sacred herbs given to heal the world by the god Woden. Chamomile is a great sedative used for insomnia and to sooth the digestive system. But use with caution, especially during pregnancy. Always check with your primary physician before using any herbs, especially if pregnant or on allopathic medication.
